A Journey That Changed The World. - Chapter 1536 - 1536: Jade Hollow
Archer’s brow furrowed as he exchanged a glance with Demetra. ”This place… It’s like we’ve stepped back in time, back on my old world,” he murmured, his voice full of wonder. The village felt too perfect, too preserved, as if it were a living painting rather than a place where people lived.
Demetra’s yellow eyes narrowed. ”Or it’s a trap by the sneaky easterners,” she said flatly.
He couldn’t argue as the beast’s aura still lingered in his senses, prompting him to turn back and gaze at the sea. Yet the village called to him, its beauty almost daring them to visit. With a shared look of wariness, the duo stepped forward, crossing the threshold into the heart of the settlement, where the people stared at them like they were monsters.
This made him chuckle as he turned toward the shark women. ”Looks like they don’t see people like us too often,” he said.
Demetra nodded in agreement. ”Seems so, they look different compared to most Draconians, apart from that pocket in the east part of the island.”
Archer recalled the thriving Asian community that had popped up in Draconia, known for their deep appreciation of the empire and its rich culture. The couple continued and entered the village only to be greeted by a well-dressed man.
”Greetings, visitors,” the stranger politely said. ”I’m Jianyu, the village head. Welcome to Jade Hollow Village. The end of the road of the Yamatori Empire.”
Upon hearing the man’s words, Archer’s brow arched, his gaze settling on the older man who seemed to appear from nowhere. The stranger was bald, with a flowing white beard that he stroked thoughtfully as he studied them. His presence carried an air of quiet wisdom, as if he had seen countless seasons pass through the village.
”What brings you to our lost village?” Jianyu questioned.
Archer shook his head and quickly lied. ”We washed up on the beach thanks to our ship being attacked by a sea monster.”
Jianyu’s face fell at the news, spurring him to step forward with an apologetic look. ”Hard times, I know, but you’ve reached Jade Hollow. We’ll keep you warm and well-fed through this bitter cold.”
Archer and Demetra followed the old man, who gave them time to absorb their surroundings. As they walked, Archer noticed villagers guiding cattle through the bustling streets, farmers hauling crops to the village square, and children playing carefree amid the lively scene.
After a ten-minute stroll through the lively village, Jianyu led the duo to a grand, traditional Japanese-looking house, its wooden frame decorated with detailed carvings of eastern dragons. With a friendly gesture, he ushered them inside. ”Come, make yourselves at home. My wife is preparing a hearty meal that’ll warm you to your very bones.”
Stepping inside, they found a sparsely furnished room, its simplicity unique yet inviting. A sturdy wooden table sat at the center, flanked by four cushions on each side, arranged neatly on the polished floor. Archer’s eyes wandered to the walls, where a collection of exquisite portraits hung, their colors and brushwork depicting ancestral figures.
”My love!” a woman’s voice echoed throughout the house. ”Who are these two that you bring to our house?”
His gaze fell on an older woman, her hair streaked with silver, yet her face radiating a youthful spirit that was different from Jianyu’s weathered appearance. She wore a flowing garment resembling a kimono, its patterns catching the soft light of the room. The old man enveloped her in a warm hug before turning to them, a broad, almost boyish grin spreading across his face, brimming with affection and pride.
”I forgot to ask for your names,” he said, chuckling.
Archer let out a soft chuckle as he introduced them. ”We’re Archer and Demetra Wyldheart.”
The woman’s eyes sparkled with surprise, her brow lifting. ”Married so young?” she muttered in amazement.
”I’m twenty-three,” he replied, a hint of amusement in his tone.
Demetra’s giggle filled the room as she added. ”And I’m twenty-eight.”
The older woman’s eyes widened at their words, her gaze flickering between the two with a newfound intrigue. A knowing smile curved her lips as she leaned closer. ”Well, now, it seems we have a young man who sees beyond age, a number that means little in the face of true connection.”
Archer’s smile widened as he responded. ”A woman’s age has never mattered to me. I prefer it; most of my wives are older than I am.”
Jianyu let out a hearty chuckle, his eyes twinkling with approval. ”That’s the spirit, Archer! A man after my own heart!”
He turned to the woman beside him, his grin softening ”This is my wife, Keomi. She’s the backbone of our village, lending her wisdom to our farmers and fishermen alike.”
Jianyu and Keomi guided Archer and Demetra to the table, ensuring their guests were settled comfortably on the vibrant cushions before slipping away to finalize the meal preparations. As the aroma of simmering spices filled the air, the Demon Shark leaned closer, her brow furrowed with curiosity and a hint of concern.
”Why are you being so friendly with them?” she whispered, her voice low but sharp. ”They’re the enemy, husband.”
Archer glanced at the navy-haired beauty. ”They’re harmless, and if anything were to happen, I’d kill them,” he answered.
Demetra giggled at this but nodded. ”Good, I don’t want you going soft.”
Jianyu and Keomi returned, each balancing four steaming trays laden full of dishes, their laughter mingling as they approached the table. The rich scent of savory noodles and spiced broth hit his nose, eliciting a loud rumble from his stomach that sparked a fresh round of chuckles from everyone.
Keomi’s dark eyes twinkled as she set a tray before him, teasing gently. ”My, my, sounds like someone hasn’t eaten in ages! Don’t you worry, my noodles will fill your belly and warm your soul all at once.”
As the older woman’s words hung in the air, the group settled around the table, the soft clinking of chopsticks and conversation creating a cozy ambiance. Archer took a bite of the steaming noodles, and an explosion of flavors assaulted his tongue, spice tangled with a subtle sweetness, an irresistible dance that overwhelmed his senses.
Despite the intensity, or perhaps because of it, he couldn’t stop eating, each mouthful of the delectable noodles drawing him deeper into their rich taste. Demetra began eating when knowing it was safe, pleasing the older couple. They soon started eating until there was nothing left.
Once that was done, Keomi stood up and declared before returning to the kitchen. ”I’m going to make more noodles, it seems like these two love my special dish.”
Archer enjoyed the final bowl of noodles, he discreetly unleashed waves of mana, letting them flow outward to probe Jade Hollow and its surroundings. His senses snapped to attention as he noticed an Alliance garrison encamped mere miles away. A flash of irritation crossed his face, his eyes narrowing with steely determination.
Silently, he swore to himself to annihilate the garrison, his mind already weaving a tapestry of tactical plans. While taking the last bite, he used the dragon tattoo, sending a message to Demetra. ‘The enemy lurks nearby. We’ll move against them once we leave.’
‘Perfect,’ she replied, grinning. ‘At least I don’t have to kill these two.’
Archer chuckled at her words just as the older woman returned carrying even more noodles that caught his attention. She placed it in front of him, warmly speaking. ”Here you go, eat up while I sort out a room for you both.”
Demetra glanced at the grey-haired woman, who quickly explained. ”A storm will hit tonight, Jianyu will have to activate the shield, otherwise the village could become a graveyard.”
”Alright,” the shark woman replied. ”I want to see it, didn’t get a chance while on the boat.”
The group continued their meal, savoring each bite until the trays were empty and everyone leaned back, satisfied. Archer glanced at Demetra, who was slumped slightly, her eyelids drooping from the dragon ale he’d shared. Jianyu and Keomi, unable to handle the ale’s kick, had opted instead for their own sake, pouring generous cups of the smooth rice wine and passing them around.
After some time had passed and their drinks were finished, the older woman rose and beckoned them to follow. She led the group through a narrow corridor until they reached a humble room at the far end of the house. The space opened up to a wide window that framed the outer edge of the village, offering a sweeping, unobstructed view of the field beyond the village walls.
”This place is peaceful,” Archer commented, admiring the peaceful atmosphere.
Keomi nodded in agreement. ”Yes, it was our daughter’s room, but she moved to the capital to chase her dreams.”
[Things are looking better now, I found a place to live where I can focus on my family and writing. Thanks for sticking with me, now I’ll repay the favor and release loads of chapters from all my books]
